If your Colorado Springs home was built between 1965 and 1973, there’s a good chance it has aluminum wiring. While aluminum wiring isn’t an automatic emergency, it does require proper attention — and the wrong approach can create serious fire and safety risks.

At Good Light Electric LLC, we help Colorado Springs homeowners understand their aluminum wiring, assess the risk, and take the right corrective steps. Here’s what you need to know.

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What Is Aluminum Wiring?

During the mid-1960s and early 1970s, copper prices spiked and builders switched to aluminum wiring as a cost-effective alternative. Aluminum conducts electricity — but it behaves very differently from copper over time.

The core problems with aluminum wiring:

• Expands and contracts more than copper with temperature changes
• Prone to loosening at connection points over time
• Oxidizes when exposed to air, increasing electrical resistance
• Can overheat at outlets, switches, and panel connections

These characteristics don’t mean your home will catch fire — but they do mean your aluminum wiring needs to be properly inspected and maintained by a licensed electrician.

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Why Aluminum Wiring Can Be a Safety Concern

The danger isn’t the wire itself — it’s the connections. Loose or oxidized connections create heat. Heat creates arcing. Arcing causes fires.

Common warning signs of aluminum wiring problems:

• Warm or discolored outlets and switches
• Flickering lights
• Burning smell near electrical devices
• Frequently tripping breakers
• Outlets or switches that stop working intermittently

If you’re experiencing any of these issues in a home built before 1973, call a licensed electrician immediately. Don’t wait.

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Aluminum Wiring Solutions — What Actually Works

There are three accepted approaches to aluminum wiring in Colorado Springs homes. The right solution depends on your home’s condition, your budget, and your long-term plans.

1. COPALUM Crimping

The gold standard fix approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. A licensed electrician installs a copper pigtail at every connection point using a special crimping tool. Permanent, safe, and code-compliant.

2. AlumiConn Connectors

An approved alternative where individual connectors are installed at each outlet, switch, and junction box. Less invasive than full rewiring and approved by the CPSC as a safe repair method.

3. Full Rewire

Replacing all aluminum wiring with copper. The most comprehensive solution — and the most expensive. Typically recommended for homes with extensive damage or when doing a major renovation.

We’ll evaluate your specific situation and give you an honest recommendation — not the most expensive option, but the right one.

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What to Do If You Have Aluminum Wiring

Don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either. Here’s the right approach:

• Schedule an inspection with a licensed electrician who has experience with aluminum wiring
• Have every connection point evaluated — outlets, switches, fixtures, and the panel
• Notify your homeowner’s insurance — some carriers require documentation of aluminum wiring repairs
• Never use standard wire nuts to connect aluminum and copper — this is a leading cause of aluminum wiring fires

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Schedule an Aluminum Wiring Inspection in Colorado Springs

Good Light Electric LLC serves Colorado Springs, Fountain, Security-Widefield, Manitou Springs, Black Forest, and surrounding areas. We’re licensed, insured, and experienced with aluminum wiring inspections and repairs.

📞 Call 719-243-2219 to schedule your inspection or request a free estimate online.

Aluminum wiring managed correctly is not a crisis. Aluminum wiring ignored can be. Let’s make sure yours is handled right.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is aluminum wiring illegal?
No. Aluminum wiring is not illegal and homes with it can be insured and sold. It simply requires proper maintenance and approved repair methods at connection points.

How do I know if my home has aluminum wiring?
Check your electrical panel — aluminum wiring is silver-colored rather than copper-colored. You may also see “AL” stamped on the wire jacket. A licensed electrician can confirm during an inspection.

Will my insurance cover a home with aluminum wiring?
Most insurers will cover homes with aluminum wiring, but some require documentation of repairs or charge higher premiums. Contact your insurer and let us provide the inspection report they need.

How much does aluminum wiring repair cost in Colorado Springs?
It depends on the size of your home and the repair method used. Call us at 719-243-2219 for a free estimate.